by Tatenda Rungisa
Learning is continuous and one of the best ways to instill knowledge in employees is through training or educational workshops. This may be facilitated by head of departments or the human resources office. The success of the workshop solely lies on how the planning was done from the onset. Planning the workshop is a crucial stage which has to be considered in order for success to be evident.
This article seeks to equip business leaders and management in different organisations with knowledge on planning an effective workshop, one that will bring results and not only be an expense. For a workshop to be success one has to ask themselves;
1. What is the purpose of the workshop?
2. Who are the target audiences?
3. Where is the workshop being held?
4. Who are the speakers? What is their content to be delivered?
What is the purpose of the workshop?
Every workshop must have a goal with a series of objectives and intended outcomes. Without this being clearly laid out, the workshop fails and there is no progress. The purpose of the workshop should be laid down clearly at the beginning of the planning and it should be relevant to the attendees.
Who are the target audiences?
There should be a background check assessing the attendees, what they seek to achieve from the training and the skills they are learning and willing to share. The objectives and content of the training should be relevant to the target learners, at the end of the training they should be able to reflect and have acquired relevant skills and knowledge.
What is the appropriate venue?
Venue and location for any learning procedure may affect the learning process immensely, after taking note of the learning objectives and attendees, one should be able to choose a location and venue that best suits the type of training or workshop being held. Factors to consider when choosing a venue is to look at the cost involved vs budget, activities that may be done during or after the training (if there is team-building involved it is vital to choose an outdoor area) and also the type of group being hosted and trained.
Who are the speakers? What is their content to be delivered?
Presentations should be prepared in time and have the type of content that is relevant to the target group. The facilitators should be able to communicate how they should present their documents, some will require a power point, and some will not be particular. As a facilitator one should be able to purchase/ equipment all the requirements to make the presentation flow smoothly. This could be either through ensuring the availability of a projector, flip chart, hand outs, and stationery. The method of presentation is not important, but what is important is to present something physically to stimulate interest and encourage thinking. Ensuring that the presentations allow interaction and engagement is also vital. There should be different activities to catch the attention of different participants accommodating all learning styles.
Tatenda Rungisa is based in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She holds a Bsc Honours in Human Resources Management, Certificate in workplace collaboration and development, certificate in management strategies for people and resources and certificate of completion in the growth mind-set speakers training. She is a Human Resources Practitioner by profession, motivational speaker, blogger and columnist in a local newspaper. She also co-founded Twin-Connect Solutions which is a youth driven organization led by young females based in Zimbabwe and South-Africa. She is passionate about writing, women empowerment and community work.
More article by Tatenda
